http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/teaching-students-s5.jpgThe Wisconsin Budget Project recently provided insight into state school aid, which has not been restored to the funding level in 2011 when Gov. Walker made historic cuts. With schools struggling with less aid and increasing needs, resolving funding issues and the school funding formula are a priority.

City Common Council urged to support the proposed ban and, by doing so, support the LGBTQ+ youth of Madison.

MADISON, WI - Today, the Madison Common Council will vote on whether the city will ban LGBTQ+ conversion therapy from being used on minors. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin (DPW) and the DPW’s LGBT Caucus released the following statements in support of the proposed ban.

“Conversion therapy is an incredibly harmful, dangerous, and abusive practice,” said Austin Kieler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin’s LGBT Caucus. “All it does is traumatize youth who are already at a higher risk of depression, suicide, and other long-term negative consequences because of the intolerance they face. Conversion therapy has no place in the city of Madison or the state of Wisconsin.”

“I urge the Common Council to support the proposed ban and, by doing so, support the LGBTQ+ youth of Madison,” added Kieler. “Recently, the City of Milwaukee joined the growing number of cities, counties, and states across the nation who are banning this cruel practice. It’s time Madison do the same.”

“By passing this ordinance, the Madison Common Council will help build a Wisconsin that welcomes everyone and celebrates our differences,” said Martha Laning, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. “We must stand up for our LGBTQ+ youth and let them know their sexual orientation and gender identity is not something they should try to change, it’s something they should be proud of. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin calls on the Madison Common Council to do the right thing and pass this ban on LGBTQ+ conversion therapy.”

MADISON, WI – After being sworn into office, State Senator Caleb Frostman (D-Sturgeon Bay) earned a spot on the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Board of Directors. Frostman, who previously served as the Executive Director of the Door County Economic Development Corporation, welcomed the opportunity to continue advocating for local job growth and community development.

“I’m excited to put my experience to work supporting local businesses and investing in Wisconsin workers,” said Frostman. “I’ve spent my career finding creative and proactive ways to develop partnerships, produce quality jobs and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs. Rather than catering to foreign corporations and large out-of-state businesses, I want to get our focus back on supporting Wisconsin workers, Wisconsin entrepreneurs and home-grown Wisconsin businesses. By making smart investments and encouraging sustainable economic development, I know we can strengthen our middle class and break down the barriers that are preventing families from getting ahead.”

Sen. Frostman was appointed to the influential WEDC Board of Directors by Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). The WEDC is the state’s leading economic development organization and works with over 600 local and regional partners to support Wisconsin job growth, entrepreneurship and business modernization.